49ers Accused of Tampering

On Thursday, Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports reported that the Chicago Bears were accusing the San Francisco 49ers of tampering with linebacker Lance Briggs. If found guilty, the 49ers could be fined or lose a draft pick.

According to Cole's article, the alleged tampering occurred last October, when the 49ers and Bears were discussing a trade for Briggs. The 49ers admit that they reached out to Briggs' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, as well as the NFL Management Council, about signing Briggs to a long-term contract extension. Once they discovered that Briggs was not eligible to sign a new contract at that time, trade talks ended.

Matthew Barrows of the Sacramento Bee wrote that the 49ers aren't commenting on the matter, referring all inquiries to the NFL, who in turn, are referring all inquiries back to the 49ers. Barrows notes that the 49ers would look "awfully guilty" if Briggs ends up with the 49ers on February 29th.

My opinion? I think the 49ers are guilty of one thing: Not being aware of what the rules are regarding franchised players. Had they known that Briggs wasn't able to sign a new contract with them, I doubt they would've engaged in trade talks with the Bears.

Should they be fined a draft pick? I don't think so. Unlike the Spygate thing, "tampering" is something that all 32 NFL teams engage in during the run-up to free agency. Unless the league has information that the 49ers blatantly "tampered" with Briggs this month, when the Bears have exclusive negotiating rights to Briggs until next Thursday, I'd look the other way if I'm Roger Goodell.

NFL News and Notes

From the "I'll Believe It When I See It" Department, Mark Maske of the Washington Post is reporting that the Washington Redskins expect to be quiet in free agency this off-season.

Jean-Jacques Taylor of the Dallas Morning News writes that now is not the time for Jerry Jones to gamble by not re-signing tackle Flozell Adams.

The 'Boys met with free agent linebacker Zach Thomas at the Combine on Friday.

The New York Giants were rumored to be interested in Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall, but Newsday's Bob Glauber reports they could also make a run at franchised Seattle Seahawks cornerback Marcus Trufant when the trading period opens next week.

Congratulations to Giants wide receiver David Tyree and his wife Leilah, who gave birth to twin daughters (Sophia and Hannah) this week.

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Mike Patterson was arrested for possession of marijuana in South Jersey last Saturday.

Remember when people were surprised that Green Bay Packers VP of Finance Andrew Brandt walked away from the team? Well, he was apparently forced out by Packers GM Ted Thompson.

"If there's anybody that I know that will be able to beat that disease, it's Kenechi Udeze," said Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress said. Udeze was diagnosed with leukemia earlier this month.

Vikings wide receiver Troy Williamson has the team's permission to seek a trade. (And the picture they use with that article is priceless)

One of the teams interested in acquiring Williamson are no strangers to first round busts at the wide receiver position.

Detroit Lions president Matt Millen says that being blamed is part of his job. (That's the one part he's got nailed down. It's that pesky task of assembling a winning team that has him flummoxed.)

A short-term, incentive-laden contract could soon be struck between the Chicago Bears and quarterback Rex Grossman.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to meet with Cal wide receiver DeSean Jackson on Saturday.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Terrance Copper received a 2-year, $2.75M deal this week.

Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox is leaning towards using Travelle Wharton at left guard, and said that Jordan Gross could play left or right tackle, depending on who they add in free agency or the draft.

Atlanta Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall put his chances of playing for the Falcons in 2008 somewhere between "slim and none". (So you're saying there's a chance!)

At his final Combine as the Seattle Seahawks head coach, Mike Holmgren discussed his final season in Seattle, running back Shaun Alexander and what lies ahead after 2008.

Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic is reporting that the Arizona Cardinals have offered Larry Fitzgerald a contract that is believed to make him the highest paid wide receiver in the NFL...but the two sides are no closer to a deal. (That's a problem)

St. Louis Rams veterans Issac Bruce and Leonard Little could restructure their contracts to free up cap space.

Cornerback Asante Samuel's career with the New England Patriots will likely come to an end once free agency starts next Friday.

Dom Capers wouldn't have joined the Patriots staff if he didn't think defensive coordinator Dean Pees was comfortable with it.

Rich Cimini of the New York Daily News reports that in an attempt to appease disgruntled wide receiver Laveranues Coles, the New York Jets have offered to guarantee his 2008 and 2009 salaries, $11M total.

Former Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett will be signing copies of his book "Walking Tall" next Thursday.

Miami Dolphins owner Wayne Huzienga sold half of the Dolphins franchise to real estate developer Stephen M. Ross.

The Pittsburgh Steelers released a trio of veterans on Friday, including Allen Rossum.

Cleveland Browns GM Phil Savage indicated that if a multi-year extension with quarterback Derek Anderson isn't reached by next Thursday, the Browns wouldn't match a long-term blockbuster offer another team could make for the restricted free agent.

In this Browns notebook in the Cleveland Plain-Dealer, we learn that Sergeant Winslow is rehabbing his surgically-repaired knee, as well as news on Orpheus Roye and a free agent signee to help the special teams.

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said that offensive tackle Stacy Andrews, who the team designated as their franchise player, will compete for a starting job in 2008. (With a one-year salary over $7M, I bet he wins a job)

Baltimore Ravens tackle Jonathan Ogden dramatically reduced his 2008 salary, freeing up $5M in cap room.

Paul Kuharsky of The Tennessean writes that the Tennessee Titans may go with a wide receiver in the 1st round of April's NFL Draft.

Adam "Pacman" Jones has been barred by the NFL from working out at the Titans facility.

Matt Schaub is the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans, but the team won't hesitate to put Sage Rosenfels in if he outperforms Schaub.

The police officers who tased Texans offensive lineman Fred Weary in 2006 are claiming immunity.

University of Texas wide receiver Limas Sweed wants to make as big of an impact in the NFL as another former Longhorn wideout.

The San Diego Chargers want to talk long-term extension with strong safety Clinton Hart.

The Denver Broncos could make a run at Detroit Lions mammoth defensive tackle Shaun Rogers.

In a poll on the Kansas City Star website asking readers who the Kansas City Chiefs should take with the 5th overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, Michigan tackle Jake Long got 78% of the vote. Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan was their second choice, gaining 6%, or 164 votes.

The one other time the Oakland Raiders had the 4th overall pick in the draft, they chose Michigan cornerback Charles Woodson.

SpyGate Zone

Rick Stroud of the St. Petersburg Times reports that SpyGate got started in Tampa Bay.

Browns head coach Romeo Crennel said he never saw any tapes while he was the defensive coordinator in New England.

Niners Sign Staley

Offensive tackle Joe Staley has agreed to a 5-year contract with the 49ers tonight. Staley, the 28th pick in the 2007 NFL draft, becomes just the second 1st round draft choice to agree to terms, joining Chicago Bears tight end Greg Olsen (the 31st choice).

Panthers Sign 3rd Round DE

The Carolina Panthers have signed 3rd round draft choice Charles Johnson, a defensive end out of Georgia.

49ers Acquire WR Darrell Jackson

The San Francisco 49ers have acquired WR Darrell Jackson from the Seattle Seahawks for a 4th round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, the 124th selection overall.

Jackson has missed time in each of the past two seasons with injuries, including 10 games during the 2005 season.

49ers Trade Back Into Round 1

The 49ers have acquired the 28th pick of the draft from the New England Patriots, and used that pick on Central Michigan OT Joe Staley. San Francisco is sending the Patriots their 1st round pick in 2008 and a 4th round pick this year, the 110th selection overall.

Whatchu Takin' Bout Willis?

The San Francisco 49ers have selected former Mississippi linebacker Patrick Willis with the 11th pick of the draft.

Mac's Instant Analysis: Willis was the best linebacker in the draft, possessing the speed and athleticism of a guy who could go to multiple Pro Bowls in his rookie contract.

I had Willis going to San Francisco, so I'm now 3-11 in my mock draft. Todd McShay is currently 3-11, as well, and FOX's Peter Shrager is 2-11. See, you don't have to be an expert....

Jackson to 49ers?

ESPN.com's Michael Smith is reporting that the Seattle Seahawks are close to shipping disgruntled WR Darrell Jackson south to the division rival San Francisco 49ers for a 4th round pick, specifically the 124th selection in this weekend's draft.

While it's hardly unheard of for inter-division trades to occur (just this off-season, the Miami Dolphins traded WR/KR Wes Welker to the New England Patriots for 2nd and 7th round picks), the gap has closed between San Francisco and Seattle to the point where this would appear to be an unwise manuever on the part of Seahawks' President Tim Ruskell.

On a side note, after sporadic updates lately, this page will updated frequently during tomorrow's draft.

49ers Sign Clements

What is the richest contract ever given to a defensive player? The contract that the San Francisco 49ers are giving to cornerback Nate Clements.

Adam Schefter of the NFL Network is reporting that the 49ers and Clements agreed to an 8-year, $80M contract that includes $22M in guaranteed funds.

WOW.